Sunday, April2,2O\7

f)ear Coach Harbaugh,

First off I would like to thank you for the opportunity to visit Rorne. I will not take our

trip fbr granted and will be sure to take full advantage of the experience in order to learn and

grow both as a football player and a man. I realize that the tme essence of this trip is to fuither

my relationship with my teammates and coaches. As in a family, there is no better wa,v to build

character and comradery then r.vith a good ole road trip.

After receiving the message today to be considered for the once in a lifetime opportunity

to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I kne*' I had to jump on it. I am a devote Muslirn but my

grandmother was a Christian and I have had the fortune of having the values of both religions

instilled in me. Growing up my fbther taught me the importance of'coexistence in religions and

respecting the beliefs of others. Last semester. I intentionally enrolled in the course. "The

History of Jesus" to advance my knowledge of Jesus Christ in order to relate with my teammates

and coaches.

His Holiness Pope Francis is sincerely one r:f m-v heroes. In a time were Muslims have

been scrutinized and wrongly identified with violerrce; Pope Francis has defended Islam and

stated that not all Muslims are violent. His Holiness has continued his support of lslam by

washing the feet of Syrian Muslim refugees and calling for mutual respect during the hol-v month

of Ramadan. A true hero defends and helps the hopeless, and that's why Pope Francis is a hero.

Again. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. I knoi,r'what FIis Holiness rneans

to you and your famii"v and giving the pla,vers this opportunit-v shows your gratitude, selflessness,

and consideration lbr others and that is the values of the Pope himself.

Thank you for your consideration, and Go Blue!

Salim Makki